According to Pedro Nascimento Cabral, the initiative is part of the Local Housing strategy (ELH) and falls under the national “1st Right” housing support programme.

“This measure aims to ease the challenges many residents face in securing suitable accommodation by offering rental properties at rates more aligned with household income,” said Cabral (PSD), in a statement issued by the council. The 70 properties available include 32 in the parish of Arriges, 24 in São José, 12 in São Sebastião, and one each in Ginetes and Santa Clara.

Applications are now open under the “1st Right – Housing Access Support Programme,” designed to assist individuals and families lacking access to adequate housing or living in vulnerable conditions.

The allocation process will follow the rules outlined in the Municipal Regulation for Access and Management of Social Housing under the supported Rent scheme. This regulation governs the criteria, conditions, and procedures related to the management and occupation of the council’s social housing in Ponta Delgada.

The selection process will prioritise applicants based on a scoring system defined in the municipal regulation. Households will be ranked and assessed in accordance with various social and economic factors, ensuring a fair and transparent approach to housing allocation.

This initiative marks another step forward in the council’s efforts to support the right to housing and reduce social inequality by ensuring that vulnerable families have access to secure, affordable homes in the municipality.